Gajaa at 8
We’re obsessed with this new Keralan kid along Lorong Maarof. Like most Indian restaurants, the menu boasts variety. Try the staff-recommended Madurai Vegetable Briyani (RM28), loaded with cauliflower, long beans and fresh cashews. Good to go with the subtle flavours is a punchy meat dish — the spicy and aromatic Nadan Kozhi Curry (Keralan-style chicken, RM26). For an after-work tipple, get a spot at the adjoining Whiskypedia, the restaurant’s bar sporting a giant yellow truck.
Yun House
Nestled in hotspot Four Seasons Hotel, Yun House is the latest dim sum destination to look out for. Burppler Jesuis Enamourez gives her stamp of approval on the classic, hearty Hong Kong dishes like Roast Duck (from RM88) and Wok Fried Carrot Cake (RM28). Also recommended are Charcoal Lava Buns (RM21) filled with oozy salted egg yolk and Yun House Siew Mai (RM38) jazzed up with mini abalones.
JOLOKO
From its modern, neon-lit bar to the airy, tropics-inspired dining space in the back, this Mex-meets-Mediterranean restobar along Jalan Kamunting scores points for its stellar interior. For your next celebration, take the party here to share their amazing dips with flatbread and grilled meats, then cap dinner off with heady mezcal — the bar takes pride in a breathtaking selection.
NY Burger Co.
Can’t decide between burger or pizza? Have both at NY Burger Co.! Owned by popular pizza purveyors, Mikey’s New York Pizza, this new burger joint doles out messy burgers and personal pan pizzas (Mikey’s classics!) to boot. Go for the messy NY Cheeseburger (RM10.99) that’s topped with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and their addictive, aptly named Crack sauce.
Nuan Cafe
Make the serene Nuan Cafe your respite over the weekends. Burppler Alyssia Yu recommends the simple Braised Pork Noodle (RM12) along with an order of their smooth milk coffee. Spot the glorious bookshelves too — two storeys of assorted books curated for in-house reading.
The Alley
The Alley’s bubble tea with fresh tapioca pearls will be worth the drive to Subang Jaya! First on scene Burppler Calie Tang is a fan of the floral Royal No.9 Milk Tea (from RM7.50). It’s a 45-minute wait for these trending drinks, so it’s best to swing by after a meal.
Kyu Bar
Tropicana Avenue’s latest Japanese izakaya is great for catching up with friends over skewers and beers. Order the yakitori (from RM4) and be sure to include the top-notch Thigh with Leek and Pork Belly. Other filling options here include affordable ramen and rice bowls. Pair that with a cold one from RM13 a mug – all night long.
Nori Sushi
Hello, snazzy work lunch! Nori’s set lunches (there are four to choose from) make great value if you’re thinking of treating yourself. Bring your favourite colleague for company and order the Nigiri Set (RM40) — a generous spread of five nigiri, maki, salad, chawanmushi, takoyaki AND soba.
Dokodemo
Located in the basement of The Gardens Mall, this cheerful yellow kiosk makes an ideal stop for when you’re feeling peckish between meals. The mini Japanese croissants (gone in two bites!) go for RM2.50 a pop, and are packed with buttery goodness. These come in both sweet and savoury flavours – we especially like the punchy Wasabi Mayo!
Madam Leow Penang Koay Chap
When it thunders and pours, nothing spells comfort like a piping-hot bowl of koay chap — check out Madam Leow’s Penang Famous Koay Chap (RM9) for a Penang-approved one in the ‘hood! Topped with duck, innards and half an egg, the rolled up rice noodles swim in a dark and salty soy broth that reminds us of a lighter rendition of bak kuh teh stock. There’s also Igor’s Penang Char Kuey Teow with Duck Egg (from RM10.50) and sweet soups, like the Red Bean Soup (RM3) and Sweet Potatoes & Ginger Soup (RM3) that carry wholesome, homey flavours.
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